Palmer didn't have the chance to suit up when these two clubs met in last year's wild-card playoff, a game that featured Ryan Lindley under center for a banged-up Cardinals team that fell to the Panthers, 27-16, at Bank of America Stadium.

"At least we're familiar with the place," said defensive tackle Calais Campbell. "I have a lot of respect for Carolina, but I am very eager for the chance to beat them. One good game gets you to the Super Bowl."

It starts with Palmer, who slayed the Packers in overtime, but only after throwing a pair of ugly picks that nearly sunk the Cardinals.

Arizona can't afford to make those mistake on the road against a Carolina front seven that terrorized Russell Wilson during a hammer-dropping first half Sunday -- a pair of punishing quarters that coach Bruce Arians watched with particular interest in preparation for the biggest game of his career: